What is the Vanguard, and what does it do?
The Vanguard (short for Commonwealth Scouts - Alpha Division Vanguard) is one of several vanguard units within the Commonwealth Scouts. It stands out amongst its peers for having been formed from the remnant of the old Cordor Adventuring Guard, and having inherited its particular specialization of countering troublesome adventurers, magical mishaps and monster raids. It is also unusual for focusing its recruitment on adventurers loyal to the Commonwealth, though not exclusively so.

Operationally, the Vanguard serves two main purposes. Firstly, it patrols the Commonwealth and upholds its laws and the authority of the Council as all other components of the Guard do. Secondly, and most notably, it acts as a heavy assault unit for the Commonwealth Scouts - in a sense an offensive compliment to the defensive elite of the Law Knights. During times of war or when operating against monstrous hordes or tribes, vanguard units are most often tasked to carry out dangerous missions of strategic importance, such as capturing enemy commanders, striking targets behind enemy lines and destroying weaknesses in enemy fortifications. In this, they work closely together with their more conventional peers in the Scouts, who find and identify targets for the Vanguard to defeat.

How is the Vanguard organized?
The Alpha Division Vanguard is organized as follows (with note of the rank identification color), in descending rank. Note that rank is not necessarily an indication of individual skill. Rather, within the Vanguard exists the tradition to promote on basis of leadership and administrative ability, rather than martial skill.

• Lieutenant
  
  The Lieutenant is the operational leader of the Vanguard, acting as a link between the different Sergeants and their units, and the Captain of the Alpha Division. As such, the Lieutenant maintains strategic oversight and the maintenance of the Vanguard as a whole.
• First Sergeant
  
  The First Sergeant acts as a second to the Lieutenant, and is the overall combat commander of the Vanguard. He may also be tasked with representing the Lieutenant in certain functions when the Lieutenant is unable to do so, such as recruitment.
• Sergeant
  
  Sergeants are lower officers who each lead combat teams of Privates. In effect, they have the same responsibilities as the Lieutenant but on a smaller scale; while the Lieutenant commands and maintains the Vanguard as a whole, Sergeants command and maintain individual teams.
• Private
  
  Privates are the rank-and-file soldiers of the Vanguard. Though arguably of lowest rank, the Vanguard would be unable to effectively operate without them. Due to being absolved from the responsibilities of command and administration, Privates are free (and actively encouraged) to master a specific specialization. As such, many of the Vanguard's most capable and deadly soldiers are highly decorated Privates.
• Recruit
  
  Those newly accepted into the Vanguard do not yet hold any true authority or rank, nor do they receive pay. Recruits are most often expected to exclusively dedicate themselves to the completion of their basic training.

How can I join the Vanguard?
Applicants may send the following information to the Vanguard's recruiting officer (usually the Lieutenant or First Sergeant):
* Surname & Given Names
* Race & Gender
* Age
* Patron deity
* Citizenships (if any)
* Contact Details ((forum name))
* Official Affiliations (if any)
* Medical conditions (if any):
* Experience in communal service (if any), military experience (if any) and/or Judicial experience (if any)
* Additional information of relevance (if any) ((class, particular skills, etc.))

Applications by those who have previously been convicted of a major crime will not be accepted. Those applicants who pass the legal examination will be invited to an interview to determine the applicant's personality and motivations, as well as a number of evaluations in order to determine the applicant's physical fitness, moral inclinations and mental acumen. Additional evaluations may be held for those with a particular specialization, such as men-at-arms, scouts, mages and clergy.

Those who pass the initial evaluations will be accepted as Recruits and put trough basic training, which serves to teach the recruit the required skills to operate as Vanguard. Passing the basic training (which consists of a number of different drills, trainings and educations) as well as acquiring Citizenship of the Commonwealth and a patron deity (if non held at the time) is required in order to be promoted to the rank of Private, and to be granted the associated authority and privileges.

((Non-Evil and Non-Chaotic alignments only, but may take the time during basic training to work on shifting your character into an allowed alignment.

What can I expect as member of the Vanguard?
Members of the Vanguard are in the employ of the Ministry of Law and as such receive regular pay befitting their rank and occupation, and reasonable chances for promotion. They also receive bunk and two daily meals while on active status.

As a less tangible benefit, members of the Vanguard receive the satisfaction of wielding their talents alongside many peers, for the greater and honorable cause of defense of the Commonwealth and its citizens and the upholding of law, stability and the authority of the elected Council of Ministers. Though the associated duties are often strenuous and hazardous, the challenges a Vanguard faces support personal growth in ways no other path will.

Also, those seeking to begin a career in the city's politics or Ministry of Law will find the Vanguard to build the required character for public service, with dedication and personal sacrifice proving devotion to the promise of the Commonwealth's republic.

((The Vanguard as a faction offers a combination between guard/police RP, criminal investigations and conventional military/special forces RP. If you like the idea of being part of a much larger organization that works towards a common goal, the Vanguard might just be the thing for you. It also allows you to get on the 'inside' of Cordor and the Commonwealth, and influence its events and history in ways no outsider can.))